Words of Mormon: Understanding God's Will

This week was a really interesting study for me. I recently made a new goal to have a group study where we have a topic weekly that we take and search for related teachings in our current scripture study. So, this week I focused on understanding God’s will, both in general aspects and in our personal lives. Well, it turns out that reading in the Words of Mormon was perfect for shedding light on that teaching. Specifically, I read the following scripture concerning Mormon’s choice to include the Small Plates of Nephi with his record:

“6 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.

 7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.”

This commentary on Mormon’s choice was a perfect response to my study. Mormon did not fully understand why he was including the record, but he did know that the Spirit seemed to whisper to him that they were good and should be included. Rather than focusing on his own lack of knowledge, Mormon focuses on the Lord’s complete knowledge and obeys as much as he can. It goes on to say that his prayer is concerning his brethren the Lamanites, meaning that he focuses on loving and serving others. As I read this, it taught me to listen to when the Spirit whispers to me that something is good (whether that is the whole answer or not to his will for my future) and do as much as I can with as much knowledge as he has given me. Beyond that, my heart should then be committed to focusing on others, and his will will be revealed as I serve and love others.

It is so easy for us to become so caught up in wanting the Lord to tell us what he wants us to do that we show little faith, demonstrate little action, and serve few people. The Lord directs us down a path as it comes. We are not meant to stand at the starting line and ask what turn we should take 5 miles in.  Trust him. Move forward where you can and learn to put others first. God will always lead us forward as we seek to feel his Spirit and be a disciple of Christ.